Defoe doubles up in first win for Villas-Boas

England striker Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham registered its first victory under Andre Villas-Boas courtesy of a 3-1 Premier League win away to Reading overnight.

Spurs had drawn two and lost one of their three previous league matches this term under Villas-Boas.

And doubts were starting to surface at White Hart Lane as to whether the Portuguese coach, sacked by London rival Chelsea before it won the Champions League last season, was the right man to replace the popular Harry Redknapp.

However, an early goal from Defoe helped settle the nerves of the travelling fans although it was not until the 71st minute, when Gareth Bale made it 2-0, that Spurs could start to relax.

"It was a well-deserved win," Villas-Boas said after the match.

"Everyone performed to their top level and it is a win that will lift us up for the season. We created lots of chances and the second goal gave us the stability. It was a good solid performance from everybody.

"Jermain is showing his abilities, the amount of shots he has on target is amazing.

"Every player improves through time and as the lone striker up front, he is linking well with the colleagues."

Defoe gave Spurs an 18th minute lead at the Madejski Stadium when he stroked in a pull-back from Aaron Lennon after a burst down the right flank by the winger.

Spurs, who climbed several places to 10th spot in the table, nearly had a second goal when an error by novice keeper Alex McCarthy, dwelling on the ball in the box, saw him dispossessed by Defoe.

Defoe cut the ball back for Gylfi Sigurdsson but the Iceland international was denied on the line by Alex Pearce.

Holding on

At half-time, Premier League newcomers Reading, which remains second bottom with just one point from three matches, could consider itself fortunate to be only 1-0 down.

But, with such a slender deficit, the Royals were still in the game.

And that remained the case until 19 minutes from time when Bale finally gave Spurs the second goal their dominance deserved.